Ben Youngs ranks the 10 best rugby stadiums for atmosphere

Thomond Park, located in Limerick, Ireland, is the home ground of Munster Rugby. Renowned for its intimidating atmosphere and passionate supporters, the stadium boasts a capacity of approximately 25,600. Its design ensures excellent acoustics, amplifying the famous "Munster Roar" during matches. Thomond Park has a storied history, including Munster's legendary victory over the All Blacks in 1978.

Mattioli Woods Welford Road, situated in Leicester, England, is the historic home of Leicester Tigers, one of England's most successful rugby clubs. With a capacity of around 25,849, it is the largest purpose-built club rugby stadium in the UK. Known for its rich heritage and fervent fan base, Welford Road has witnessed numerous memorable matches and championship victories.

The Aviva Stadium, located in Dublin, Ireland, serves as the home ground for both the Irish national rugby and soccer teams. Opened in 2010, this modern stadium can host up to 51,700 spectators. Its distinctive, undulating roof design and cutting-edge facilities make it one of Europe’s premier sporting venues, regularly hosting international fixtures and major events.

Stade Marcel-Michelin, found in Clermont-Ferrand, France, is the home of ASM Clermont Auvergne. With a seating capacity of around 19,000, it is known for its intimate atmosphere and passionate local support. The stadium's vibrant yellow and blue colors reflect the club's identity, making it a fortress for the home team in the French Top 14 league.

Suncorp Stadium, located in Brisbane, Australia, is a premier multi-purpose venue with a capacity of 52,500. It is the home ground for the Queensland Reds (rugby union) and the Brisbane Broncos (rugby league). Known for its electric atmosphere and excellent facilities, Suncorp Stadium regularly hosts international rugby matches, including Wallabies' tests and Rugby World Cup fixtures.

Murrayfield Stadium, situated in Edinburgh, Scotland, is the home of Scottish Rugby. With a capacity of 67,144, it is the largest stadium in Scotland. Renowned for its grand scale and passionate supporters, Murrayfield is the venue for Scotland's home Six Nations matches and other major rugby events. Its iconic west stand and thundering atmosphere make it a revered rugby destination.

Ellis Park Stadium, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a historic rugby venue with a capacity of 62,567. It is the home ground of the Lions and also hosts Springbok matches. Ellis Park is etched in rugby history as the site of the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, where South Africa famously triumphed. Its passionate crowds and storied past make it a key rugby landmark.

The Stade de France, located in Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris, is the national stadium of France. With a capacity of 81,338, it hosts the French national rugby and soccer teams. Built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the stadium is an architectural marvel known for its distinctive elliptical roof. It regularly hosts major international rugby fixtures, including Six Nations matches and Rugby World Cup games.

Principality Stadium, formerly known as Millennium Stadium, is located in Cardiff, Wales. With a retractable roof and a capacity of 73,931, it is one of the most versatile and modern stadiums in the world. Home to the Welsh national rugby team, the stadium is renowned for its intense atmosphere, particularly during Six Nations matches. Its central location and state-of-the-art facilities make it a focal point for Welsh rugby.

Twickenham Stadium, situated in London, England, is the iconic home of English rugby. As the largest dedicated rugby stadium in the world, it has a capacity of 82,000. Known simply as "Twickers" by fans, it hosts England's home Six Nations matches, as well as other major rugby events like the Rugby World Cup. Its rich history, passionate crowds, and comprehensive facilities cement its status as the heart of English rugby.